Are Online Sick Notes Legal in BC? (2026 Guide)
The CPSBC fully supports telemedicine-issued medical documentation. Here's the legal framework and why employers must accept online sick notes.
## Are Online Sick Notes Legal in BC?
**Yes, absolutely.** Online sick notes issued by CPSBC-registered physicians are fully legal and carry the same weight as notes issued during in-person visits. Here's the complete legal framework.
### The CPSBC Position on Telemedicine
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) has clear guidelines supporting virtual care:
- Telemedicine consultations are considered equivalent to in-person visits
- Physicians can issue medical documentation based on virtual assessments
- The standard of care applies equally to virtual and in-person encounters
- Physicians must use their clinical judgment regardless of the medium
### Why Online Sick Notes Are Legally Valid
1. **Same licensing requirements** — The issuing physician must be registered with the CPSBC
2. **Same clinical standards** — The physician must conduct an appropriate assessment
3. **Same documentation standards** — The note must include the physician's name, license number, date, and relevant medical information
4. **Same legal weight** — Courts and tribunals treat virtual medical documentation identically to in-person documentation
### Can My Employer Refuse an Online Sick Note?
**No.** An employer cannot refuse a legitimate sick note solely because it was issued via telemedicine. This would be:
- Contrary to CPSBC guidelines
- Potentially discriminatory (limiting access to healthcare)
- Against the spirit of BC's Employment Standards Act
If an employer refuses your online sick note, you can:
1. Point them to CPSBC telemedicine guidelines
2. File a complaint with the BC Employment Standards Branch
3. Contact the BC Human Rights Tribunal if discrimination is involved
### How MedLetter's Online Sick Notes Work
1. Complete a 5-minute health questionnaire
2. A CPSBC-registered physician reviews your information
3. If appropriate, your sick note is issued and delivered within 6 hours via email
4. The note includes the physician's full credentials and CPSBC registration
**[Get your legal, physician-reviewed sick note →](/get-started/sick_note)**